Gosforth vs Carlisle
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gosforth | Carlisle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass Rate | 47.5% | 54.9% |
| Male Pass Rate | 47.6% | 56.3% |
| Female Pass Rate | 47.3% | 53.5% |
| Tests Conducted | 10,234 | 3,684 |
| Years of Data | 10 | 15 |
Pass Rate Trends
Gosforth vs Carlisle
Choosing between Gosforth and Carlisle for your practical driving test? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide. With a 7.4 percentage point gap between them, there is a meaningful difference in pass rates.
Gosforth has a pass rate of 47.5% from 10,234 tests, while Carlisle sits at 54.9% from 3,684 tests in the latest financial year.
Detailed Analysis
Pass rates: Carlisle leads with the higher pass rate. This is a notable difference worth considering.
Test volume: Gosforth is the busier centre with 10,234 tests per year, compared to 3,684 at Carlisle. The significant volume difference means the busier centre may have longer waiting times for bookings.
Trends: Gosforth has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.3 percentage points, while Carlisle has remained relatively stable over the last three years. These opposing trends are worth monitoring, as the current gap may narrow or widen in coming years.
Gender comparison: At Gosforth, the male pass rate is 47.6% and female is 47.3%. At Carlisle, it's 56.3% male and 53.5% female.
Our Verdict
On pass rate alone, Carlisle has the edge at 54.9% compared to Gosforth's 47.5%. However, pass rates reflect candidate cohorts as much as test difficulty. If you've done most of your lessons near Gosforth, the familiarity with local roads may outweigh the statistical difference.
Whichever centre you choose, thorough preparation is the single biggest factor in your result. Practice until you're consistently confident, book when you feel ready, and arrive early on the day.
Booking Tips
When choosing between these centres, consider the following practical factors:
- Availability: Gosforth is the busier centre (10,234 vs 3,684 tests/year), which may mean longer waits for bookings. Carlisle could offer more flexible scheduling.
- Best months: Gosforth's highest pass rate month is Jun (50.1%). Carlisle peaks in May (58.5%).
- Practice area: Book at the centre whose surrounding roads you've practised on most. Route familiarity consistently matters more than pass rate statistics.
- Cancellation checking: If your preferred centre has a long wait, consider using a cancellation checking service. Both centres may have short-notice openings that aren't visible when you first book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the higher pass rate, Gosforth or Carlisle?
Carlisle has the higher pass rate at 54.9%, compared to 47.5% at Gosforth. This is a 7.4 percentage point difference.
Which centre is busier?
Gosforth conducts more tests (10,234 vs 3,684 per year). The quieter centre may offer more flexible booking times.
Are these pass rates trending up or down?
Gosforth has shown a gradual improvement over the last three years, gaining 3.3 percentage points. Carlisle has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Check each centre's individual page for the full historical chart.
Should I choose a centre based on pass rate alone?
No. Pass rates reflect the overall candidate pool, not test difficulty. A centre with a lower pass rate may have more first-time or nervous candidates. Your own preparation, familiarity with the roads, and comfort level on test day are far more important than a few percentage points of difference.